John Denver Quick Links

The folk icon and outspoken political activist died 17 years ago, but his legacy is still being recognized.

This weekend, folk icon John Denver was finally recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 17 years after his death in a plane crash, Denver (born Henry John Deutschendorf) was also honoured with an exhibit of his photographs -- Sweet Sweet Life: The Photographic Works of John Denver -- at Hollywood's Substrate Gallery. Denver made his name in the 60s, performing mainly on acoustic guitar. His music was typically lighthearted and optimistic.

Denver’s favourite subjects were the joy of nature, his love of music and relationships. In the 70s, as Denver developed an interest in activism, his music took on a more political tone, notably with the 1975 song Calypso, an ode to the exploration ship and team of environmental activist Jacques Cousteau. Denver was a close supporter of Jimmy Carter and the Democratic party in general.

US musician John Denver has been honoured posthumously and has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

17 years after his death, John Denver has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Denver was a US singer-songwriter, actor and activist. He was best known for penning and performing such songs as 'Country Roads, Take Me Home', 'Annie's Song' and 'Rocky Mountain High'. Popular throughout the 1970s and frequently in the charts, Denver appeared in numerous television shows both as an actor and in cameos. He was 53 when he died in a plane crash in 1997.

Denver was finally honoured on Friday (24th October) when he received a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame has existed since 1958 and has more thousands of honourees. Denver's star will be the 2531st star on the Walk.